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Can Spray Foam Insulation Be Left Exposed?

Spray foam insulation is quickly claiming its place as the go-to standard for insulation. It’s easy to install, has the highest r-value, and lasts much longer than other types of insulation. But what can you expect after applying it, and are there any precautions you should be taking into consideration? Don’t worry, the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando will inform you of whether or not spray foam can be left exposed and what you can do to protect yourself.

How Spray Foam Insulation Works

Unlike some other forms of insulation that involve complex practices and extra steps, spray foam simply needs to be sprayed and applied where it’s needed. It begins as liquid compounds that are combined on the spot and expand in a matter of moments. After it has finished expanding, it takes some time to cure and harden before it’s considered finished. But since chemicals are used rather than pre-made sheets or other materials, people often wonder if extra precautions need to be taken. More specifically, people ask whether or not this spray foam compound can be left exposed. That all depends on where it’s applied.

When It’s Acceptable To Leave It Exposed

If you’re only installing spray foam in your attic or crawl spaces, there’s less need to worry because these are low-traffic areas of the property. The concern isn’t necessarily for health reasons, but rather for fire hazards. There is less chance of a fire igniting in the attic or crawl space where minimal activity is taking place. There is also hardly any sun exposure which could break down your spray foam and make it less effective and greatly cut its lifespan short.

When It’s Not Acceptable To Leave It Exposed

Any spray foam that’s applied in areas where there is frequent traffic and activity, like in livable rooms of a home or commercial building, is at risk of catching fire without the proper protection. Also, any spray foam that is directly exposed to the outdoors and catches direct sunlight can crack and break without protection, thus losing its insulation properties. But how exactly can you shield spray foam from reacting to these factors?

How To Seal Up Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is one of the best insulators that money can buy, but it may still need the help of protective products in some cases. For example, thermal barriers can come in a spray-on form for easy application over spray foam to help lessen the risk of a fire hazard. Other times, a simple piece of plywood or a sheet is placed over the foam to shield it from exposure. If you’re not sure which option is best or you need help with spray foam installation, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Foam Bear Orlando is here to help!

Call The Professionals At Foam Bear Orlando!

When you call Foam Bear Orlando at (727) 580-1090, our friendly staff and trained contractors will help equip you with the best spray foam installation with all of the safety precautions and measures in mind. Ask us for more information about our reliable service with top-grade products before receiving a free estimate!

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Can Improper Insulation In My Home Make Me Sick?

Have you ever wondered why you might be experiencing some troublesome symptoms while inside the comfort of your own home? You may have looked around everywhere you could with no sign of anything that could be causing your discomfort. If that’s the case, then the problem could be with your old, poor, or outdated insulation. That may sound like a stretch, but the professionals at Foam Bear Tampa will gladly explain how improper insulation in your home can make you sick.

Experiencing Allergic Reactions

Allergen sensitivity doesn’t only happen outside. You might believe that you’re safe from pollen and other aggravators as long as you’re inside, but compromised insulation could be inviting these suspects into your home. But dust, pollen, and allergens aren’t the only things being swept through the cracks in your walls. Moisture is also carried through the air, and damp environments lead to mold and mildew which can also cause someone to experience allergy symptoms like irritated skin and trouble breathing. But there could also be other reasons why you might be out of breath.

Suffering From Excessive Carbon Dioxide

When your home isn’t properly sealed due to poor insulation, there are going to be difficulties promoting proper ventilation. As the interior space builds up stale air, the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide shifts for the worse. Of course, we need oxygen to survive, and being without it can induce symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and brain fog. People with asthma may have an even harder time dealing with the CO2-rich atmosphere. Even if you don’t realize it at first, this process can be compared to a very slow-acting death.

Exposure To Bacteria And Viruses

How can viruses, diseases, and illnesses be introduced into your home even when you don’t invite anyone over or don’t make physical contact with anyone? Many bugs and other pests are small enough to find and squeeze through the gaps in your walls, and some of them may be carrying bacteria and viruses. Other than the health risks already mentioned, you could also experience infections.

How Spray Foam Can Eliminate These Problems

Many of these problems sound incredibly severe, but avoiding these instances can be as simple as upgrading your improper insulation to a better kind. Instead of replacing your traditional fiberglass sheets with a fresh layer of rolled batt, consider spray foam as a more efficient alternative to the stuff that didn’t work for you before. The compounds in spray foam can repel water and moisture so you can worry less about a mold infestation. The way that it expands makes it more capable of providing a tight seal around your home so that no air, bugs, or pests can slip through the cracks. With spray foam insulation, you may never have to worry about your own home making you sick ever again!

Let The Experts At Foam Bear Tampa Clean Things Up!

If you’re in desperate need of a vacuum and removal service before putting in brand-new spray foam insulation, Foam Bear Tampa is the place to call! Contact our friendly staff at (727) 580-1090 to get started on a free estimate for your next spray foam service.